Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
** Please note the new 2010 MCAT calendar and FAQ's***
http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/reserving/mcatschedule2010.htm
DATES (NEW FOR 2007): 22 TIMES, JANUARY THROUGH SEPTEMBER
It is best to take the MCAT early in the year prior to the year of admission. If you need to take the later (July-September) test be aware that you have two disadvantages: 1) you will not know your scores if you apply to schools in June, and 2) your application will not be reviewed until after the scores are reported, at which time schools will have begun assigning interviews. That said, if you are taking a prep class right after the spring semester ends or if you are completing core Pre-Med coursework over the summer, it is best to wait until July-September to take the exams. When controlled for GPA, there has been no meaningful difference in success for Georgetown students who took that exam later (August in 2006 and before) vs. those who took it earlier (April in 2006 and before.
REGISTRATION
About one month prior to test date. See the AAMC web site for deadlines and registration information.
IMPORTANT
In general the MCAT should not be taken "just for practice." The scores are recorded. Take it when well prepared. It is possible to withhold your scores, but that creates awkward responses for you when asked if you took the MCAT before.
CONTENTS
The MCAT has four sections: Verbal Reasoning (Reading Comprehension), Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Essays. There will be three scores reported as numbers from 1 to 15 with 8 as a mean; the Essays will be graded by letters from J to T with median at O. See the AAMC web site for statistics on MCAT performance in recent years.
PREPARATION MATERIALS
Review your introductory science courses, including Organic Chemistry. Obtain the MCAT Student Manual and read through it at the start of your review.
Review books may be divided into outline series (e.g. Shaum's, Monarch's, Barnes and Nobel) and test preparation books (e.g. Arco's, Flower's, Baron's, Gruber's). Finally, there are test preparation courses which are expensive but provide quality study materials (e.g. Kaplan, Princeton Review and others). You should discuss the merits of these with Seniors who have been through the test and figure out what materials are best for your needs. See the AAMC web site for a list of potential MCAT essay questions. The Pre-Med advisor often holds a meeting in December for Juniors to hear from Seniors about how to prepare for the MCAT (and the DAT).
Finally, get a good night's sleep. Your preparation for it should not be last minute cramming. Also, see the AAMC web site for information about test center regulations and procedures.
STUDENT MANUALS
Even if you do take a prep course, you should obtain and study a student manual first. Student manuals and past tests for practice are available on the AAMC web site. Attention should be paid to the logic and style of the questions. This is part of your general test preparedness. You should peruse this booklet well in advance of the test.
RETAKES
It is best to do well on your first take. Schools regard retakes in various ways. If a year intervenes, they may believe you have become wiser. If you are a spring-fall tester, they may assume you took a prep course. However, if you do badly you will need to retake it. Get advice from the Pre-Med advisor. Also, see the AAMC web site for statistics on retaking the MCAT.
